While the first semester at St Andrews has its fair share of infamous events (Opening Ball, Szentek, Christmas Ball), semester 2 is what I like to call “Fashion Show Season.” This semester will bring a slew of events sporting the most outrageous outfits and fellow peers strutting it down the catwalk like there is no tomorrow.
It is a chance for people to show off their crazy personal style (and probably get outlandishly drunk at the same time). With one fashion show rolling around after the other, this begs the age-old question of “what to wear?” Each show is distinct, with its own unique vibe and this can often be stressful in deciding what to wear to each show if you plan on attending more than one. Here are some tips and tricks on what to wear for each show:
VS
St Andrews’ newest show is meant to show off the coolest streetwear and hip-hop inspired fashion from cities like New York and London. The show aims to “remove you from the bubble and transport you to downtown New York and across the globe,” so expect eclectic and outrageous streetwear outfits gracing the night.
Source: VS
VS will be a fashion show where you shouldn’t be afraid to stand out and show the edgier side of your style. Anything and everything is acceptable, whether you pick a pair of neon trackies or velvet dress with an oversized camoflauge jacket. Gather inspiration from streetwear not just from New York, whether its the minimalist and relaxed style of a matching pantsuit in pastel colours and white trainers from downtown Oslo or a sophisticated fur coat paired with jeans and leather stilletos sported in Paris.
Source: French Connection
Source: Hauteacorn
CATWALK
This year’s theme for one of St Andrews’ most beloved shows is “Playtime”! Expect a fun-filled evening “inspired by the childish fun of playing dressing-up games,” full of bright colours and miss-matched fabrics, textiles, and accessories.
credit: catwalk
Don’t be afraid to go bold, whether it’s with jewellery, footwear, or makeup. Mix bold crimson eyeshadow with a chunky statement necklace and holographic dress, or lavender tinted glasses, frosted lips, and graphic-printed trousers. Don’t be afraid to mix prints or wear colours you normally would not. Playtime is all about having fun and stepping out of your comfort zone. If you don’t want to mix it up too much, wear neutral colours with a bold shoe or paint-splattered denim jacket.
Source: allure
Source: shein
FS
In its 28th year running, FS this year will be in support of Fashion Revolution, “an organisation that celebrates fashion and raises awareness of the most pressing issues in the fashion industry today.” Expect to see sustainable and recycled pieces on the runway, and unique clothes that reflect the changes being made in the fashion industry today.
Source: FS
In picking your outfit for FS, try and play along with its theme – sustainable fashion and a keener awareness for purchasing a brand new outfit versus shopping from your old closet. Don’t be afraid to (gasp!) re-wear an outfit you’ve already worn, or upcycle something old into a brand new piece unique to you.
Add a slit to a satin midi skirt, sew on some thrifted lace to the edge of a blouse, or match a pair of striped flares you wear on a night out with an oversized men’s blazer found in a charity shop. You can also check sites like Poshmark or Depop for pieces that are brand new or slightly worn rather than buying retail – buying secondhand greatly reduces the environmental impact of the fashion industry and gives the item two more years of life. Get creative with it and don’t be afraid to mess up if you’re doing some diy!
Source: bershka
source: free people
SITARA
Sitara stands out for its diversity; a feeling of comfort evoked by a plethora of fashion styles adopted by the guests. Here, you are not meant to stand out rather, it is about fitting in; sort of matching the puzzle pieces through your outfits to create a unique sense of belonging.
Source: Sitara
So, if you wish to take out one great piece of advice from this article before choosing your outfit, remember this: include yourself in the mix of the cultural extravaganza and embrace the theme at hand. Be it the traditional and colourful saris for women exuding the vibe we get in Indian Weddings (If you have been to any one of them, you would know how glamorous and grand it is) to the elegant kurta pyjamas for men to make you feel like royalty, do not be afraid to adopt outfits from other cultures just for this one night. However, it is not always about immersing yourself into the theme of the event. You can always get your favourite suits and pantsuits out that will provide you with the comfort needed to enjoy the event at its fullest.
Source: pikrepo
Source: Lightbox/Sitara
UBUNTU
Like Sitara, the Ubuntu fashion show also celebrates cultures. As the name itself suggests, “Ubuntu” or Togetherness is about revelling in the African culture, so full of energy and diversity that listing them here would require a lot of time (and words). So, get ready to max out to the fullest, dance the night away and takeaway the joyous nature of this event back home (and uni) with you even when it is over.
Source: Cassi Ainsworth-Grace
For a night like this, dress yourself in your own favourite vibrant way. Ubuntu is well-known for its authenticity and so, choose your outfit according to your own taste. Add into your chosen outfits with some accessories; a matching pair of super-sized earrings (from a big hoop to a drop, it is a growing trend right now) or just a simple elegant clutch bag can go a long way in really adding onto your dress. For men, why not get your most loved scarves out which can help in both avoiding the cold while sprinkling in some stylish flair to your outfit. Just remember, represent yourself as the event has so well done in the past.
Source: anishaparmar
Source: Ties Online
DON’T WALK
The Don’t Walk Charity Show is very well known for its experimentalist and rather bold approach towards fashion. For 2020, the Don’t Walk team want to raise awareness on issues that has a global impact and thus wish to explore the “hyper material world and its conflict against nature.” This approach seems very unique in the fashion scene across St. Andrews and is surely going to be an enjoyable yet immersive experience.
Source: Don’t Walk
So, why not look for ways where you as an audience member can also implement the idea of the show? But you do not need to go out of your way to do this. There are simple (also elegant and stylish) ways which you can adopt to become more in tune with nature by both doing your bit and looking stunning while doing it. From luxury brands to street wear, there are so many choices that are now opting to turn green and sustainable. You can go exploring into the fashion world of vegetarian-leather jackets and fur-free (furry like) sweater and choose something which you can adorn gracefully and guilt-free. There are various brands you can look into like Stella McCartney, Isabelle Fox among others that are adopting a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Source: wheretogetit
Source: Urban Outfitters
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